Kasey Kahne Named One of NASCAR’s “75 Greatest” List

In 1998, during its 50th anniversary season, NASCAR unveiled what it considered its 50 greatest drivers. The list included most of the stars from the organization’s earliest years, many of whom eventually would find their way into the NASCAR Hall of Fame when it opened in 2010.

Beginning April 9, the sanctioning body will add 25 names to its “all-time” list as part of its 75th anniversary celebration. It is expected to name five drivers per week—most likely one per weekday—in the five weeks ending with the May 14th Goodyear 400 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

The newest group among the sport’s greatest drivers is being selected by a committee comprised of former drivers, team owners, industry personnel, NASCAR executives, and current and former media members. All 75—the original 50 class named 25 years ago and the new 25—will be recognized during Goodyear 400 pre-race ceremonies.

As NASCAR celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998, company president Bill France called that group “the men who define the competition of our sport.” He added, “Their accomplishments are the benchmark that much of our history is identified by. Honoring them in this way, at the beginning of the NASCAR 50th anniversary celebration, is one way of showing our true appreciation for them and the invaluable contribution they have given over the past 50 years. These are the drivers who made and make NASCAR fans stand on their feet and cheer. These are the drivers who are NASCAR history.”

The original “50 Greatest Drivers” were from the Modified, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series. The Craftsman Truck Series was too young to have had any “greatest drivers,” but that’s expected to change with this new group.

Today's Addition: Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne, a winner with Ray Evernham, Rick Hendrick, Richard Petty, and Red Bull Racing, is the latest star named among the “25 Greatest Drivers” as part of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary celebration. The Washington state native and 2004 Rookie of the Year won nine Cup races for Evernham, six for Hendrick, two for Petty, and one for Red Bull in his 15-year career.

Among Kahne’s victories were three Coca-Cola 600s at Charlotte and races on superspeedways, intermediate tracks, short tracks, and a road course. His 2017 victory in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis was the last of his career.

He also won eight Xfinity races and four in the Craftsman Truck Series.

The rest of the 25 new honorees will join the previously named “50 Greatest Drivers” in the days leading to the May 14 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. On April 9, three-time champion Tony Stewart was the first driver named among the “next” 25 Greatest.

NASCAR'S 50 Greatest Drivers

Selected in 1998

Bobby Allison
Davey Allison
Buck Baker
Buddy Baker
Geoff Bodine
Neil Bonnett
Red Byron
Jerry Cook
Dale Earnhardt
Ralph Earnhardt
Bill Elliott
Richie Evans
Red Farmer
Tim Flock
A.J. Foyt
Harry Gant
Jeff Gordon
Ray Hendrick
Jack Ingram
Ernie Irvan
Bobby Isaac
Dale Jarrett
Ned Jarrett
Junior Johnson
Alan Kulwicki
Terry Labonte
Fred Lorenzen
Tiny Lund
Mark Martin
Hershel McGriff
Cotton Owens
Marvin Panch
Benny Parsons
David Pearson
Lee Petty
Richard Petty
Tim Richmond
Fireball Roberts
Ricky Rudd
Marshall Teague
Herb Thomas
Curtis Turner
Rusty Wallace
Darrell Waltrip
Joe Weatherly
Bob Welborn
Rex White
Glen Wood
Cale Yarborough
LeeRoy Yarbrough

The Next 25

Selected in 2023

(To be released one at a time by NASCAR, in no particular order.)

51, Tony Stewart

52, Kasey Kahne

53, Coming April 11